Tubular carcinoma of the breast: Mammographic and sonographic features

OBJECTIVE, The purpose of this study was to define specific mammographic an d sonographic features of tubular carcinoma of the breast, MATERIALS AND METHODS. Seventeen pathologically confirmed cases of tubular carcinoma were characterized retrospectively by two radiologists. Mammogram s and sonograms were available for all patients. RESULTS. Fifteen of the 17 tubular carcinomas appeared as irregularly shape d masses with spiculated margins on mammography. Sixteen of the 17 masses h ad central densities. Spicules longer than the diameter of the central lesi on were noted in eight (53%) of 15 tubular carcinomas. Eight tubular carcin omas had associated calcifications, with calcifications suspected of being malignant in four cases. On sonography, 15 hypoechoic masses were seen, The margins of the masses on sonography were described as ill-defined in 14 (9 3%) of the 15 cases. Posterior acoustic shadowing was present in 14 of the 15 cases. CONCLUSION. Tubular carcinomas are usually seen on mammography as irregular ly shaped masses with central densities and spiculated margins, and most tu bular carcinomas can be identified on sonography as hypoechoic masses with ill-defined margins and posterior acoustic shadowing. Although the mammogra phic and sonographic features of tubular carcinoma are not sufficiently spe cific to differentiate tubular carcinomas from radial scars, sonography can be useful for guiding biopsies and evaluating for multifocal and multicent ric disease.